Ormerod: It’s smiles better at Blackpool

BRETT ORMEROD insists Blackpool can giggle their way towards a promotion drive with the help of madcap boss Ian Holloway.

Brett Ormerod insists Blackpool can get through to a promotion drive []

Unbeaten in seven games under the former QPR boss, and after mauling Wigan 4-1 in the Carling Cup, Blackpool cruised past Coventry.

Veteran forward Ormerod set up two of the goals against the Sky Blues and says playing with a smile is making a difference.

“Ian is one of the most enthusiastic managers I’ve ever played for,” said Ormerod, 32.

“He never has a bad mood, he’s always up for it at the training ground, and that’s rubbing off on the lads.

“He won’t ever let you have a day when you’re grumpy. He’s always there to pick you up - or shout at you if you need it - and that helps us.

“Sometimes it takes a bit of time with a new manager, but we’ve picked up his new system quick and we’ve got a lot of confidence.

“You can probably get too confident or too relaxed but we haven’t been like that. The attitude is right, that’s why we’re playing well.

“After a game like Wigan, sometimes you end up with an ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’ performance but we’ve managed to keep the momentum and we can continue to improve.”

Coventry’s Sammy Clingan ended up as a penalty villain for a second consecutive game to help give Blackpool a 13th-minute lead. The Northern Ireland midfielder fluffed a crucial penalty against Swansea last week - this time he tripped Ben Burgess to allow Charlie Adam to convert from the spot.

Coventry struggled to assert any authority on the game, while the Seasiders continued to push forward. The hosts eventually got a second in the 59th minute, when Burgess headed in Ormerod’s cross.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher put the game beyond doubt with 20 minutes to go, taking advantage of a goalmouth scramble to smash home from eight yards.

Coventry boss Chris Coleman blamed his tactics for the defeat - but Icelandic midfielder Aron Gunnarssson said the side was just not good enough.

“We didn’t turn up. I don’t know what went wrong but we were very poor,” he said. “It wasn’t the gaffer’s fault or anything to do with the tactics. It was down to us as players and we didn’t perform.

“We played well in the first couple of games this season and we’ve got to get back to that sort of form. The team has got to keep working at it but we’re all trying our best.

“Our confidence is low but it’s only five games into the season and I’m sure we can get back to the way we started.”blackpool 3